Factors affecting physicians' practices related to Helicobacter pylori infection: effect of experience and mode of practice.
BACKGROUND
Studies found that guidelines on the management of Helicobacter pylori were not always followed in clinical practice. This study investigated factors that were responsible for the deviation.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey using a structured self-administered questionnaire was used to ask physicians whether they would offer testing and treatment for H. pylori infection in different clinical scenarios.


RESULTS
170 medical practitioners completed the questionnaires. Respondents in the private sector were significantly more likely to test and treat than those in the public sector for patients with a history of peptic ulcer, gastric cancer or no symptom (p = 0.018, <0.001 and 0.041, respectively). Significant differences in practice were noted amongst practitioners of different specialty and seniority, but not qualification. Medical practitioners in the private sector complied with the guidelines significantly better than those in the public sector (p = 0.002) and so did senior practitioners compared with junior practitioners (p < 0.001). The specialty and qualification of the respondents, however, did not have a significant effect.


CONCLUSIONS
There were significant differences in the management of H. pylori amongst medical practitioners from the private and public sectors and amongst senior and junior practitioners. Published guidelines were not completely followed. Further educational campaigns are needed.
Yee
Yuk Kei
YK
Hong Kong Health Enhancement Research Centre, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
Cheung
Ting Kin
TK
Gu
Qing
Q
Chan
Pierre
P
But
David
D
Hung
Ivan F N
IF
Chan
Chi Kuen
CK
Yuen
Man Fung
MF
Wong
Benjamin C Y
BC
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011364:Professional Practice; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires